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This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.